Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Glastron DS 215 2008 vs Glastron GXL 180 Ski & Fish 2007: Same Brand, Different Boat
The Glastron DS 215 2008 vs Glastron GXL 180 Ski & Fish 2007 comparison sits squarely in the category of decisions where specs alone won't tell the whole story: intended use, storage, and long-term ownership costs all factor in.
On paper these two are close siblings in the size department - Glastron DS 215 2008 at 20,0 ft versus Glastron GXL 180 Ski & Fish 2007 at 18,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Glastron DS 215 2008 tips the scales at 3 630 lbs - 1 910 lbs more than the Glastron GXL 180 Ski & Fish 2007 at 1 720 lbs. That difference is meaningful if you're working within a half-ton or three-quarter-ton truck's tow rating, especially once you factor in a motor, gear, and fuel.
The Glastron DS 215 2008 carries a rated maximum of 300 hp. Engine data for the Glastron GXL 180 Ski & Fish 2007 wasn't available in our records - check the manufacturer's spec sheet before sizing a motor.Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Glastron DS 215 2008 carries 56 gallons versus 29 gallons in the Glastron GXL 180 Ski & Fish 2007. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Glastron DS 215 2008 is rated for 6 passengers, while the Glastron GXL 180 Ski & Fish 2007 caps at 5. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Glastron DS 215 2008 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Glastron DS 215 2008 if your priority is putting more people on the water - it handles 6 passengers and at 20,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Glastron GXL 180 Ski & Fish 2007 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 5 that costs less to run day-to-day.
General Boat Info
ModelDS 215
ModelGXL 180 Ski & Fish
Model Year2008
Model Year2007
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam102 in. (2.59 m)
Beam91 in. (2.31 m)
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Meters2.31
Beam - Inches102
Beam - Inches91
Deadrise16℃
Deadrise21℃
Depth - Detail57.5 in. (1.46 m) Cockpit: 28.5 in. (0.72 m)
Depth - Detail43 in. (1.09 m) Cockpit: 29.5 in. (.75 m)
Depth - Centimeters147.32
Depth - Centimeters109.22
Depth - Inches57.5
Depth - Inches43
Draft [max] - Detail30 in. (0.76 m)
Draft [max] - Detail29 in. (.74 m)
Draft [max] - Meters0.76
Draft [max] - Meters0.74
Draft [max] - Inches30
Draft [max] - Inches29
Weight - Detail3,630 lbs. (1,650 kg) w/5.0 GL Volvo Penta
Weight - Detail1,720 lbs. (780 kg) w/o engine
Weight - kg1646.54
Weight - kg780.18
Weight - lbs.3630
Weight - lbs.1720
Width [transom] - Detail96 in. (2.44 m)
Width [transom] - Detail86 in. (2.18 m)
Length - Meters6.38
Length - Meters5.49
Length - Feet20
Length - Feet18
Length - Inches11
Length - Inchesnot available
Length overall - Detail20 ft. 11 in. (6.38 m)
Length overall - Detail18 ft. (5.49 m)
Length overall - Meters6.38
Length overall - Meters5.49
Length overall - Inches251
Length overall - Inches216
Body / Hull
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull typeModified Vee
Hull typenot available
Engine and Drivetrain
Engine/s standard4.3 GL Volvo Penta
Engine/s standardYamaha 115 TLRD
Fuel tank capacity - Detail56 gal. (212 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Detail29 gal. (110 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Liters211.98
Fuel tank capacity - Liters109.78
Fuel tank capacity - Gal56
Fuel tank capacity - Gal29
Drive typeI/O
Drive typeOutboard
Engine max300 hp
Engine maxnot available
Operational Info
Maximum capacity1,800 lbs. (816 kg)
Maximum capacity1,225 lbs. (556 kg)
Trailer Info
Trailer - DetailEZ Loader GM 5200T (painted)
Trailer - DetailEZ Loader TRST 3000 (painted)